Single-use plastic packaging in cafes and restaurants, for sachets of ketchup and miniature toiletries is set to be banned across the EU from 2030, as part of new rules to curb packaging waste across the bloc.
EU negotiators struck a provisional agreement yesterday (Monday), as the bloc aims to combating mounting waste.
Across the EU, 118.7 kilograms of packaging waste per inhabitant were created in 2021, which is 10.8 kilogram more per person than in 2020.
However, the proposed new rules will not ban cardboard fast-food cartons and coffee cups or force consumers to use reusable containers.
The single-use plastic packaging ban, expected to come into force from 2030, will apply to unprocessed fresh fruit and vegetables, condiments and sugar, miniature toiletries and shrink-wraps for suitcases in airports.
Ultra-lightweight plastic bags will also be banned, with some exceptions, across the EU.
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“For the first time in an environmental law, the EU is setting targets to reduce packaging consumption, regardless of the material used,” said Frederique Ries, the Belgian EU lawmaker who pushed the text through parliament.
“We call on all industrial sectors, EU countries, and consumers to play their part in the fight against excess packaging,” she said.
However, there has already been pushback against the proposed new rules.
Freshfel, the European fresh produce association, said the fruit and vegetable sector had been unfairly targeted by the European Commission, according to industry publication Fruitnet, and that it would mount a legal challenge against the law.
Meanwhile, the Alliance for Sustainable Packaging for Foods said banning single-use plastic for food wrapping would put consumer safety at risk.
The proposed rule changes now must be approved by the European Parliament and member states.
Last year, it was revealed Unilever was selling 1,700 single-use plastic sachets every second, according to new figures released by Greenpeace.
A ban and restrictions against a wide range of single-use plastic items was introduced in England last year.
